Asante Kotoko failed to break through Karela United’s resilient defence as they lost 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Porcupine Warriors went into the game with a much stronger lineup. The likes of Eric Zeze, Nicholas Osei-Bonsu and Nicholas Mensah returned to the starting lineup as they looked to make it two wins in a row in the Ghananaian top-flight.
Neither side managed to create any chances of real quality in the first half. It was the home side that dominated possession but they were unable to break the deadlock as it ended 0-0 in the first half.
In the second half, Coach Abukari Damba’s side maintained their performance and took the lead in the 59th minute through Ibrahim Giyasu’s powerful header.
Kotoko pressed for an equaliser but found it difficult to break through the hosts’ shape. Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum brought on attacking substitutions as Kalo Ouattara came off the bench alongside Peter Amidu Acquah but they could not turn the match in Kotoko’s favour.
With Kotoko’s defeat, FC Samartex can extend their lead at the top of the table to six points if they beat Bechem United on Sunday afternoon.
What’s Next?
Kotoko will host Accra Lions at home. Karela’s next outing will be against Great Olympics in Sogakope on week 21 of the Ghana Premier League.
